Choosing a degree

Heyy,
I don't think I've ever posted on here before!
My name is Holly (but most people call me Daisy)
I'm 26 years old and I'm currently re-doing my English and Maths in college and I'm working my way back up so I can eventually go to university in a couple of years.

So I was basically just wondering and especially for those who have multiple different options/interests etc, how did you finally decide what you wanted to study in university and which university to actually go to??
(I know universities have open days and stuff, but I want to go to a Uni that's in or near London which is absolutely nowhere near where I live so going down there for open days etc isn't really an option, at least for now)
But I just can't for the life of me decide if I want to study Music or English Literature as they're both my biggest ever loves and passions and have been ever since I can remember and I do have options/pathways available to me for both, so I've just really been struggling to chose which path to actually focus on!
So yeah I was just wondering how you all ended up choosing your degree and your university if you also have multiple interests/passions like me?? <3

Reply 1

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

I would suggest focusing on what each degree involves, in full, and seeing which is a better fit - invariably some parts of any degree will be less appealing so you can try and figure out which one has less of the stuff you find less appealing vs the other :smile:

Worth bearing in mind English lit is very much a degree in literary analysis and involves a lot of close analysis e.g. breaking down the syntax of individual lines and such, which can be quite involved. Broader and/or more surface level character/theme analysis is a bit more secondary at that level as I understand compared to the really detailed close reading. So make sure it is the right fit for you!

I don't know much about music degrees except I think they can be quite varied, so see if the ones offered fit your preferences in terms of content/instrument. Also I gather that most involve some amount of theory/history/similar so make sure you're happy with how much is included (if you really enjoy that look for ones with more, if not and prefer performance then see which focus more on that e.g. conservatoires maybe).

Also explore each subject beyond your current curriculum in your spare time, read more widely in literature and read some literary/critical theory on the English lit side, do more practice and such for the music side, and think about which you actually enjoy doing more for the sake of it vs which might feel more like "work" - that might help you decide (to focus on the one you enjoy doing just for the sake of doing!) :h:

Reply 2

University of York

Official Rep

Hi daisygirlmochi7,

I know you're not interested in York but here are the options I'd suggest:

•

Look at the content of the courses. The units studied for each course should be listed on the different university websites, no two courses are the same so you may find one English course fantastic and the other really not for you.

•

Don't be nervous about emailing admissions or academic departments if you have questions.

•

Lots of universities will have platforms like Unibuddy where you can chat with existing students about courses and university life.

•

Check out UCAS exhibitions which might be closer to where you live.

Good luck finding your dream uni 🙂

Reply 3

Anonymous #1

If you really can’t decide between English lit and music, I know some unis offer flexibles combined honours where you can choose both as a joint honours. Ik for a fact that kcl and rhul offer liberal arts where you can do English and music

Reply 4

Chester Student

Original post

by daisygirlmochi7

Heyy,
I don't think I've ever posted on here before!
My name is Holly (but most people call me Daisy)
I'm 26 years old and I'm currently re-doing my English and Maths in college and I'm working my way back up so I can eventually go to university in a couple of years.
So I was basically just wondering and especially for those who have multiple different options/interests etc, how did you finally decide what you wanted to study in university and which university to actually go to??
(I know universities have open days and stuff, but I want to go to a Uni that's in or near London which is absolutely nowhere near where I live so going down there for open days etc isn't really an option, at least for now)
But I just can't for the life of me decide if I want to study Music or English Literature as they're both my biggest ever loves and passions and have been ever since I can remember and I do have options/pathways available to me for both, so I've just really been struggling to chose which path to actually focus on!
So yeah I was just wondering how you all ended up choosing your degree and your university if you also have multiple interests/passions like me?? <3

Hi there!

It's great to hear that you are working hard to get into university!

For me, I found that I really wasn't sure what would be best. I love a lot of things, but couldn't say I was truly the most passionate about any of them! However, a little research helped me to make a decision, as I knew I wanted to spend the next few years in university and reap the benefits it can offer for me, such as study abroad.

You've asked a great question here. It can be a really long and difficult process to find out what you are most passionate about and where you'd like to go to nurture that interest. Open days are definitely a good idea if they are doable, but there are absolutely other ways to learn more about the opportunities available for you.

A good place to start would be discovering what you'd like to do the most. I'm sure you've searched already, but I've previously found UCAS and Prospects to be helpful resources in my search. Looking ahead, even though it is difficult, is important to consider. Is there something specific you see yourself doing in 5-15 years? What path can you take to get you closer to that goal? If you're still struggling between two (or more) pathways, consider what you'd most like to do for a living. For the other subject, you can always carry on with it as a hobby. Or, some universities offer combined courses!

Once you have some universities in mind, take advantage of their websites! They will often have virtual tours, videos about anything and everything, student life, and essential subject information. Comparing modules, class hours, teaching styles, and degree prospects may help you to narrow down your search. I'd also recommend looking for the 'Chat to a Student' page, where you can filter current students by subject. It's a great way to ask any questions you have to someone studying your specific interest, and they can share their experiences so far!

It's a difficult process, but I hope this helps you. Best of luck!

Isabella
Fourth-Year Geography with a Year Abroad Student

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 5

Royal Holloway, University of London

Official Rep

Original post

by daisygirlmochi7

Heyy,
I don't think I've ever posted on here before!
My name is Holly (but most people call me Daisy)
I'm 26 years old and I'm currently re-doing my English and Maths in college and I'm working my way back up so I can eventually go to university in a couple of years.
So I was basically just wondering and especially for those who have multiple different options/interests etc, how did you finally decide what you wanted to study in university and which university to actually go to??
(I know universities have open days and stuff, but I want to go to a Uni that's in or near London which is absolutely nowhere near where I live so going down there for open days etc isn't really an option, at least for now)
But I just can't for the life of me decide if I want to study Music or English Literature as they're both my biggest ever loves and passions and have been ever since I can remember and I do have options/pathways available to me for both, so I've just really been struggling to chose which path to actually focus on!
So yeah I was just wondering how you all ended up choosing your degree and your university if you also have multiple interests/passions like me?? <3

Hi there,

Great to you're considering studying at degree level. Have you considered exploring Royal Holloway as a potential university? Our stunning campus is located just 40 minutes from Central London by train, so students can experience the calmness of campus as well as the bustle of the city. We would recommend joining us at an upcoming Open Day to find out more about us, your course of interest, and have the opportunity to chat to staff and students from the department you're interested in.

You can also chat to our current students here to find out more about the course and ask any questions you may have.

We hope this helps.

Best wishes,
Royal Holloway, University of London

Reply 6

WrexhamUniReps

Official Rep

Original post

by daisygirlmochi7

Heyy,
I don't think I've ever posted on here before!
My name is Holly (but most people call me Daisy)
I'm 26 years old and I'm currently re-doing my English and Maths in college and I'm working my way back up so I can eventually go to university in a couple of years.
So I was basically just wondering and especially for those who have multiple different options/interests etc, how did you finally decide what you wanted to study in university and which university to actually go to??
(I know universities have open days and stuff, but I want to go to a Uni that's in or near London which is absolutely nowhere near where I live so going down there for open days etc isn't really an option, at least for now)
But I just can't for the life of me decide if I want to study Music or English Literature as they're both my biggest ever loves and passions and have been ever since I can remember and I do have options/pathways available to me for both, so I've just really been struggling to chose which path to actually focus on!
So yeah I was just wondering how you all ended up choosing your degree and your university if you also have multiple interests/passions like me?? <3

Hi there,

I would advise you to attend open days in your chosen universities as you will be able to see what the course is like and the contents of each course.

I would then advise you to make a little comparison table to compare the 2 courses, this will help you to pick which course you feel is your favourite.

I hope this helps,

Matt
Wrexham Uni Reps

Reply 7

LancashireRep1

Official Rep

Original post

by daisygirlmochi7

Heyy,
I don't think I've ever posted on here before!
My name is Holly (but most people call me Daisy)
I'm 26 years old and I'm currently re-doing my English and Maths in college and I'm working my way back up so I can eventually go to university in a couple of years.
So I was basically just wondering and especially for those who have multiple different options/interests etc, how did you finally decide what you wanted to study in university and which university to actually go to??
(I know universities have open days and stuff, but I want to go to a Uni that's in or near London which is absolutely nowhere near where I live so going down there for open days etc isn't really an option, at least for now)
But I just can't for the life of me decide if I want to study Music or English Literature as they're both my biggest ever loves and passions and have been ever since I can remember and I do have options/pathways available to me for both, so I've just really been struggling to chose which path to actually focus on!
So yeah I was just wondering how you all ended up choosing your degree and your university if you also have multiple interests/passions like me?? <3

Hi there,

I would always recommend going to open days if you can, however if you can't then I'd recommend doing a simple comparison of the courses modules and seeing which course stands out more to you. So doing a research into both courses, their modules and maybe career options will help you decide. I always knew I wanted to study a creative course and nearly went to study fine art but something in me wasn't sure. So I then did an art foundation course where I got to try various creative subjects and narrow it down to the one I wanted to study. Doing a foundation course may be an option for you too. Emailing admissions or course relevant socials of the university will also help if you have any questions. As someone mentioned already the UCAS exhibitions are great if there is one close to you. I now draw as a hobby even though I didn't study it, so could your passion for music become a hobby in the mean time whilst you study English?

Hope this helps and I'm sure you will make the right decision for you!
^Zac 🙂